VIDEOBURN: Get to know Madlib with 4 revealing behind-the-scenes videos

Published: July 28, 2014

I had originally envisioned this piece as something to give light to a small selection of Madlib deep cuts. Some fantastic songs that might get overlooked if you're still listening to one of the best hip-hop albums of 2014 (Piata with Freddie Gibbs), or one of the best hip-hop albums ever (Madvillainywith MF DOOM). But prolific is too small a word to describe Otis Jackson Jr.'s careers. He's a producer, rapper as Quasimoto, a DJof many globe and genre-trotting series (including the just released Rock Konducta Pt. 2), the sole creative force behind jazz "troupe" Yesterday's New Quintet, and so much more. His catalogue is more of an ocean: how do tell someone who's never been in the sea before where to start?

So instead, here's four clips from the video-shy artist, showcasing his method, library and the effects of his music on one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history.Fan or neophyte, they're each an insight into the process of this supremely important artist.

His vinyl collection weighs four tons, and he's got history with every single record


Four tons of records, shelved neatly into coded library stacks in his home. And Madlib seems to know where all of them are. Throughout the weird seat dancing of this uncomfortable one-on-one,we learn about Madlib'suncle's relationship with Dizzy Gillespie (played in his band), his love of Sun Ra (very vast), and his roots in jazz (since birth). Noscoopon his filing system, though.

Dillawas a fanboy

YouTube Video

Madlib has endured in part thanks to his ear for collaborations. And it's not as though they're hard to come by: even the late J Dillawho Madlib refers to in thefirst video in the list as "the Coltrane of hip hop" gets a little awestruck discussing the man's tunes. Their meeting would eventually lead to thegenesis of their rap groupJaylib.Watch some rare footage of them performing "Heavy" live at the Jazz Cafe in Detroit, below.

YouTube Video

His shy-yet-illuminating Red Bull Music Academy Lecture

In 2002, two years after his debut Quasimoto recordThe Unseendazzled critics, Madlib headed to So Pauloto discuss his process and history. He's a bit reticent, but it doesn't matter. By the end we have a strong sense of omnivorous, confident attitude that fuels his creativityand make him strive to connect with us through music. The host does a good job of teasing out some choice quotes from the esteemed guest, though. Personal favourite: "I don't use computers. I'm a caveman." (Photos of the studioMadvillainywould be recorded in confirm this.)

Afantastic beat made in instant ramen noodle time

YouTube Video

In the Red Bull lecture Madlib briefly discusses recording sessions in his hotel, and mumbles "I can make an album in a day." This clip proves it's no empty boast: a few minutes with a sample, an MPC and an SP-404 and he'sgot something that kills most of his contemporaries even 12 years later.

Listen toPiata andRock Konducta Pt. 2 below:

VIDEOBURN: Get to know Madlib with 4 revealing behind-the-scenes videos by Jordan Darville | Chart Attack.

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